Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Hong.
Hi Christina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up with my mom’s authentic homemade Korean cooking. I’ve always loved cooking and baking but my passion really came to fruition as I left for college to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I was a 3 hour drive away from home, but it was the first time I was away. There just weren’t any Korean restaurant options so I would call my mom and ask her for her recipes because I missed her cooking so much. I graduated with an Education degree but as I saw my fellow graduates apply to teach at different schools, I found myself knowing that all I wanted was a restaurant. So I started to bartend and save all my money. I’d work 80 hours or more a week just to save every penny. Five years later, my parents wanted to purchase an existing franchise restaurant called Charley’s Philly Steaks and they needed money. They asked me to invest but I was terrified as it was every penny to start my own restaurant, what if this failed? It took me minutes to really think this decision over as they’re my parents. The same parents who moved to a foreign country to chase this American dream for their children. So how could that child not do the same in return? The location did well! They opened two more in the Chicagoland area.
So fast forward to 2019, I moved to California to chase this dream of mine, to open a restaurant. I didn’t even know where to start but then the pandemic hit. I created my pop-up, BulgHoagie. I would prep, lug over equipment to do pop-ups in different bars. Since they couldn’t serve alcohol without food during the Pandemic, it was a mutually beneficial relationship. I worked out of Verdugo Bar (Glendale) and Naughty Pig (West Hollywood). The pop-up did great and so I finally moved to find a brick-and-mortar. I landed in the spot I am today on 3rd. It’s honestly surreal to know that this is MY restaurant with MY recipes and I’m just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
LOL. I went in without a roadmap. At the start of the pandemic, I genuinely had a conversation with myself asking, “Where do I even start?” I just went on google and searched “How to open a restaurant in LA.” One thing I was certain of, was that knowing myself, I will figure it out. I can definitely say that I had to learn the hard way. Dealing with permitting issues, deadlines not being met of when I wanted to open, learning how to staff and what kind of people to look for, how the system should be put into place for the kitchen, finances, etc etc etc. The list just goes on and on of all the challenges I had to learn as I go. The pendulum swings both ways, as low as the lows are, the highs are higher. Every time someone gives a rave review of the food, I am at peak happiness.
So all the struggles have been worth it. I know so much more, I am prepared to open the next location
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Seoulmates?
Seoulmates: Korean Street Fusion. We have Korean tacos, sandwiches, and rice bowls. We are known for our fusion tacos and sandwiches. Our Korean tacos and sandwiches are different, refreshing, and unique. You won’t find the flavors anywhere else. We are most proud of the quality and love we deliver on every time.
OUR MISSION IS TO SHARE A TWIST ON KOREAN FOOD SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD THAT YOU HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT, THAT BEFORE ANYONE EVEN CONSIDERS TAKING A BITE, YOU’LL HAVE TO SNAP A PICTURE FOR THE ‘GRAM. BEING A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS,
OUR MISSION IS TO DELIVER OUR HEART AND SEOUL IN EVERY BITE.
What were you like growing up?
Who I am as a person is exactly my inner child. I’ve always been extremely outgoing and personable. I’ve always had a lot of friends and I’ve always been the loudest in the room with the biggest aspirations. I would have my own cooking shows that I would reenact with my siblings. Anything I’ve ever wanted to do, I’ve done. Chasing the adrenaline has made me realize that I’ve always had a different relationship with fear than most people. I’ve embraced fear, even as a child. I loved rollercoasters and doing things that have challenged me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.seoulmatesla.com
- Instagram: seoulmatesla
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/seoulmatesla
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/seoulmates-los-angeles
Image Credits
Christina Hong
